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Nigeria Cricket Federation Partners PwC for National U-17 Championship

Published

6 years ago

August 23, 2019

Nigeria Cricket Federation Partners PwC for National U-17 Championship in

The Nigeria Cricket Federation has announced a partnership with Nigeria’s topmost account firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) to stage the maiden Edition of the National Under 17 Cricket Championship.

The championship which features male and female is structured to provide the next generation of cricketers to represent the nation in both domestic and international tournaments in the near future.

Underscoring one of the Federation’s core development model of spreading the game throughout the country, an elimination series across the 6 geo-political zones with 19 states participating will take place from August 22nd to 26th 2019 for girls, while the boys will take their turn from August 28th to September 2nd, 2019. One team will qualify from each zone to compete in Abuja for the national finals scheduled to take place from 19th – 30th September 2019.

“According to the President of the Federation, Professor Yahaya Ukwenya, the championship will serve as the feeder channel and a clear transition pathway to the national Under 19 and eventually the senior national team. This he says resonates with the PwC brand which stands for accountability, sustainable development, and continuity which aligns with the NCF as a brand. The 1st phase of the Naija Kids Cricket grassroots development program which saw over 3000 kids introduced to the sports in 2018 hallmarks the flourishing relationship between both parties he said.”

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, and Rivers states will be converging in Rivers State for the South- South Eliminations. In the South-East, Enugu will host Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states, while, FCT will host Kogi, Kwara and Niger states for the North Central elimination series. Other states vying for a ticket to the national finals include Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun in the South West region with Oyo State set to host. Finally, Jigawa and Kaduna states will slug it out for the North West ticket in Kaduna.

Emeka Igwilo, General Manager of the Federation explained further that; “This is one of the most important events on our calendar year as it holds a lot for the future of the national teams and also helps us develop different technical capacities, including coaching, umpiring and scoring at different regions. This tournament will also afford the states the opportunity to showcase their talents and depth of work”.

A male and a female team each will qualify from the regions to compete at the national finals slated for September 19th to 30th in Abuja.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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